• Frederick Street Park: The off-leash area is clearly marked by signs and a split rail fence. Off-leash times are sunrise to sunset. The area is located at 168 Frederick Street (Frederick at Broadway).

• Grant Street Park: The off-leash area is clearly marked with signs. Off-leash times are sunrise to sunset. The area is located at 180 Grant Street.

• Mitchell’s Cove Beach: Dogs are allowed off-leash before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. The beach is near West Cliff Drive and Almar Avenue.

• Pacheco Dog Park: This area is completely fenced and the off-leash times are sunrise to sunset. The area is located at Pacheco Avenue and Prospect Heights.

• Ocean View Park: The off-leash area is clearly marked with signs. Off-leash times are sunrise to sunset. The area is located at 102 Ocean View Avenue.

• University Terrace Park: This area is fenced and off-leash times are sunrise to sunset. The designated off-leash area is located at the second entrance at Nobel Drive and Meder Street.

• Dogs are not allowed at the Wharf, Cowell Beach, Main Beach, Laurel Park, and San Lorenzo Park.
• Dog owners must be in full control of their dogs at all times.
• Dog owners must clean up all of their dog's defecation and must carry dog defecation removal devices at all times.

With 29 miles of beaches studding its extensive coastline, Santa Cruz County has plenty of room for DogTrekkers. Not all strands are dog-friendly, and all but one of those that are require four-legged visitors to be leashed. But don’t let that turn you off or away: the scenery is stunning and the county is so dog-friendly in other ways that you and your tail-wagger won’t have trouble finding ways to enjoy a fall getaway.

Santa Cruz city officials, who two years ago lifted a ban on dogs downtown, are now dithering about dog policies at area beaches. Meanwhile, visitors who long to get some sand underfoot can stick to the tried and true. more »